*12.3.4 Holistic development*

Play-based learning encourages children's development, including physical, cognitive, social-emotional and linguistic growth. Play can help children develop their cognitive abilities, language and literacy, fine and gross motor and cognitive abilities.

#### *12.3.5 Child-centred learning*

Play-based learning is child-centred, which means children take an active role in their education. Although teachers offer direction and encouragement, students are urged to take charge of their education and follow their interests.

To sum up, play-based learning is an approach to preschool education that is effective and encourages active learning, social and emotional development, creativity and imagination, holistic development and child-centred learning. Preschool instructors may build a supportive and stimulating learning environment that supports young children's growth and development by including play in their curriculum.

#### **12.4 How cultural, social, and economic aspects affect policies and practices**

We can encourage children's general growth and development and provide a solid foundation for lifetime learning by offering a supportive atmosphere that suits their developmental needs. Cultural, social and economic factors can significantly influence policies and practices about preschool education. Here are a few strategies [57].

#### *12.4.1 Cultural aspects*

Policies and practices in preschool education can be significantly influenced by culture. Cultural values and beliefs, for instance, may impact how parents prioritise their children's development and how they see early childhood education. Some cultures may greatly emphasise intellectual accomplishment, whereas social and emotional development may be more important.

#### *12.4.2 Social aspects*

Social variables, including poverty, inequality and urbanisation, can have a significant influence on preschool education policies and practices. For instance, children from low-income households may have restricted access to high-quality preschool education, which might expand the achievement gap between children from various socioeconomic backgrounds.

#### *12.4.3 Economic aspects*

Economic aspects of preschool education policies and practices can also be influenced by financing and resource availability. For instance, access to excellent preschool programmes may be hampered by financial constraints. On the other hand, a shortage of resources may affect the curriculum's quality, the teacher-to-student ratio and the physical setting [58].

Finally, factors related to culture, society and the economy can greatly impact preschool policies and practices. The creation of inclusive and equitable preschool education programmes that address the needs of all children is something that policymakers, educators and other stakeholders must work towards.
